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Because I was a chicken shit? I didn’t think I was good enough for you? I didn’t think you felt the same, and I didn’t want to ruin our friendship? Take your pick, Leigh. “Well, you weren’t exactly sending me signals that you felt the same.”
“Before or after I spent half of my high school career on my knees in front of you? Jesus, Cartwright, how could you not see?”
“How could you not see?” I ask her.
She blinks her eyes a few times, like the fog has been lifted and she can see everything clearly for the first time. “I just never thought…I mean look at you…”
“I’m not following.”
“You’re hot.”
“That does seem to be the consensus amongst the ladies.” She raises an eyebrow at me, and I chuckle. “I’m kidding, Leigh, chill.”
“But that’s what I’m saying: guys like you date blonde, perky, pretty cheerleaders…the most popular girl blah blah blah.”
“Who said that’s what I want? Furthermore, where’d you get the idea that you aren’t hot? Because I’m sure you’ve seen the way guys all but undress you with their eyes the second you walk in a room. I basically threatened to do bodily harm to Pat and Dave the first time they met you.” They had been practically tripping over their dicks the day I moved in when she showed up in those tiny fucking soccer shorts with a bottle of tequila.
“Oh stop. They don’t see me like that.” She rolls her eyes and I snort at her naivety.
“Right, because I told them you were off limits. Indefinitely.”
She looks me over like she doesn’t quite believe me, her gaze narrowed and skeptical. “Everett…”
“Leighton, I want to do this. I want to be with you. Do you want to be with me?” I look into her eyes, the color of onyx, as I see her lowering her guard. Her features aren’t hard or rigid like when we’re outside of this bubble. “Don’t be afraid of…this. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m not going to break us.”
Her eyes well up with tears like I’ve just spoken her greatest fears in two sentences. I wipe the wetness from beneath her eyes and pull her into my chest. “Say yes, Leigh. Please.”
“Yes.” She pulls away and stares at me. “Fuck yes.”
